Crave Popcorn Co. in Plano pops up sweet gifts and nostalgic candy

Crave is a full candy shop as well as a popcorn palace.
Photo courtesy of Crave Popcorn Co.

Not unlike cupcakes, popcorn is a trend that has transcended trendiness — a discovery happily made by Carol and Blake Davis, who've opened Crave Popcorn Co., a popcorn and gift shop in a former antique store at Lakeside Market center in Plano.

The couple already had an entrepreneurial streak as part of a family nursery business that grows trees, plants and flowers. But the popcorn shop realized dreams they shared.

"My wife always wanted a gift shop, and I'm interested in cooking," Blake says. "So it satisfied different areas for us. And we're happy with how well we've done."

In fact, they've pretty much been deluged since they opened on Valentine's Day. Perhaps it's the fact that they make everything in-house, with true ingredients such as Madagascar vanilla, butter and sugar.

"We make sure everything tastes good, and we're excited about using the best ingredients," Blake says. "We have about 25 to 30 flavors, and I make everything every day. Flavors run from basic caramel corn to crazy stuff like maple bacon, white cheddar and bacon, and s'mores."

Because they make their popcorn with coconut oil or canola oil, it satisfies two growing audiences: vegans and gluten-free customers. "We don't use any animal products except for cheese," he says.

Crave is also a full candy shop with everything from nostalgic candies like cherry sours and salt-water taffy to newer novelties like maple-bacon lollipops and wasabi gumballs. Big sellers include chocolate-covered potato chips.

"It's definitely a niche business," Blake says. "But where we're located, it's a very family-oriented area, and a lot of our business is gifts. People want a birthday gift or a good-luck gift for a tryout."